PHYSICAL PROPERTIES:- 1)Ethanol is a colourless liquid having a pleasant smell and a burning taste. 2) Ethanol is a volatile having a low boiling CHEMICAL PROPERTIES:-Ethanol burns in air to give CO2 and H2O.-Shows no reaction with baking soda.-Reacts with ethanoic acid(in the presence of H2SO4) to form sweet smelling substance ester.-has no effect on litmus.-reacts with sodium to liberate H2.-in the presence of hot, conc. H2SO4 gets converted into ethene.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Ethanol

Physical Properties:

1. Appearance: Ethanol is a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic odor. It has a molecular formula of C2H5OH and a molecular weight of 46.07 g/mol.

2. Melting Point: The melting point of ethanol is -114.1°C (-173.4°F). It is a relatively low melting point, which means ethanol can exist as a liquid at room temperature.

3. Boiling Point: Ethanol has a boiling point of 78.4°C (173.1°F). This low boiling point allows for easy evaporation and makes ethanol highly volatile.

4. Solubility: Ethanol is highly soluble in water. It forms a homogeneous solution when mixed with water in any proportion. This property makes ethanol a useful solvent in various industries.

5. Density: The density of ethanol is 0.789 g/mL at 20°C (68°F). It is less dense than water, which means ethanol floats on top of water.

6. Refractive Index: Ethanol has a refractive index of 1.361, indicating its ability to bend light when it passes through.

Chemical Properties:

1. Combustibility: Ethanol is highly flammable and burns readily in the presence of an ignition source. It undergoes combustion to produce carbon dioxide, water, and heat energy. This property makes ethanol a popular fuel source in engines and as a biofuel.

2. Oxidation: Ethanol can undergo oxidation reactions. It can be oxidized to acetaldehyde by various oxidizing agents, such as potassium permanganate or chromic acid. Further oxidation of acetaldehyde can convert it into acetic acid.

3. Reaction with Sodium: Ethanol reacts vigorously with sodium metal, forming sodium ethoxide and hydrogen gas. This reaction is highly exothermic and can be considered as an example of a redox reaction.

4. Esterification: Ethanol can undergo esterification reactions with carboxylic acids in the presence of an acid catalyst. This reaction produces esters and water, and it is commonly used in the production of various fragrances, flavors, and solvents.

5. Hydrogen Bonding: Due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group, ethanol can form hydrogen bonds with other ethanol molecules or water molecules. This property affects its physical properties, such as its boiling point and solubility.

6. Denaturation: Ethanol can be denatured by adding small amounts of substances like methanol or isopropyl alcohol. Denatured ethanol is rendered unfit for consumption, making it suitable for industrial or laboratory use.

Ethanol possesses a wide range of physical and chemical properties that contribute to its applications in various industries. Understanding these properties is crucial for utilizing ethanol effectively in different contexts.